Assessment of the Plasma/Serum IgG Test to Screen for Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is a silent infectious disease prevalent worldwide and affects lifestyle-related diseases. Therefore, efficient screening of patients is essential for general health. This study was performed to evaluate prospectively the diagnostic utility of a blood IgG antibody titer test against periodontal pathogens. Oral examination was performed, and IgG titers against periodontal pathogens were measured by ELISA in 1,387 individuals. The cut-off value of the IgG titer was determined in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and changes in periodontal clinical parameters and IgG titers by periodontal treatment were evaluated. The relationships between IgG titers and severity of periodontitis were analyzed. The best cut-off value of IgG titer against Porphyromonas gingivalis for screening periodontitis was 1.682. Both clinical parameters and IgG titers decreased significantly under periodontal treatment. IgG titers of periodontitis patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, especially in those with sites of probing pocket depth over 4 mm. Multiplied cut-off values were useful to select patients with severe periodontitis. A blood IgG antibody titer test for Porphyromonas gingivalis is useful to screen hitherto chronic periodontitis patients (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01658475).

Phase II study of combination therapy with S-1 and cetuximab in patients with KRAS wild-type unresectable colorectal cancer who had previously received irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and fluoropyrimidines (KSCC0901)

3558

Background: Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies alone or in combination with irinotecan (Iri) can be considered standard third-line therapy for KRAS wild-type (wKRAS) unresectable colorectal cancer (UNCRC). However, some UNCRC patients (pts) cannot tolerate Iri-containing therapy. S-1, an oral fluorouracil (FU) derivative, enhances the anti-tumor effect by inhibiting dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity and reducing digestive toxicity. Combination therapy with cetuximab (C-mab) may restore 5-FU resistance in 5-FU–resistant CCs. Therefore, we examined the efficacy of S-1+C-mab therapy in wKRAS UNCRC pts, who had previously received Iri, oxaliplatin (OX), and FUs. Methods: The study design was multicenter, single-arm, open-label phase II study. The major inclusion criteria were written informed consent; histologically proven CRC and clinically proven UNCRC; presence of measurable lesions; previous therapy with Iri, OX, and 5-FU; documented progressive disease after 5-FU–based chemotherapy; wKRAS tumors; age ≥ 20 years; performance status (PS) 0–1; and adequate organ function. The treatment protocol was as follows: weekly durable intravenous (DIV) C-mab administration at 400 mg/m2 (day 1) and 250 mg/m2/week (except day 1) and oral administration of 80 mg/m2/day S-1 on days 1–28 of each 42-day cycle. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). A sample size of 39 was planned for a threshold PFS of 3.5 months and expected value of 6.0 months, with one-sided alpha of 0.05 and beta of approximately 0.2. Results: One patient was ineligible; 38 pts (PS 0/1, 32/6; 1/2/>3 prior chemotherapy regimens, 4/23/11) were enrolled from 10/2009 to 12/2010. The median PFS (central review) was 5.5 months (90% CI: 4.4 – 5.7); median overall survival (OS), 13.1 months; and the best ORR, 36.8%. The most common grade 3–4 adverse events were neutrophils, hypokalemia, rash, and dry skin. Conclusions: This study showed that S-1+C-mab may be a promising and well-tolerated treatment choice of wKRAS UNCRC, who had previously heavily treated by Iri, OX and FUs.

Immunological effects as a biomarker of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer

e14077

Background: Many multiple anti cancer drugs regimens have been established for metastatic colorectal cancer recently. We investigated cellular immunoreaction of these patients to their cancer. Methods: 26 metastatic colorectal cancer patients have been started chemotherapies. Their PBMC were harvested and investigated their character by Fac scan with fluorescent labeled antibodies (CD3, CD8, CD4, CD25, Foxp3) at before and after chemotherapy. Results: After chemotherapy, both CTLs (CD3, CD8 positive) and regulatory T cells (CD4, CD25, Foxp3 positive) were decreased in number among all patients. On the other hand, CTL/T reg ratio were significantly increased among tumor marker decreased patients and significantly decreased among tumor marker increased or stable patients. CEA levels among 85.7% of increased CTL/T reg ratio patients became to decrease less than half. CEA levels among 66.7% of decreased CTL/T reg ratio patients became to increase or to be stable, if their regimens have not been changed. The Reactive Rate of chemotherapy of CTL/T reg ratio increased patients was significantly higher than that of ratio decreased patients. (p=0.021) The Disease Control Rate of chemotherapy of CTL/T reg ratio increased patients was higher than that of ratio decreased patients. Conclusions: We found that the CTL/T reg ratio of PBMC in metastatic colorectal cancer patients were useful for prediction of the effect of chemotherapy.

[A case of remnant liver metastases after resection of liver metastases from rectal cancer following treatment with 5-FU, L-OHP and CPT-11, with markedly effective treatment by cetuximab plus S-1]

FOLFOX or FOLFIRI are commonly used as first- or second-line chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal cancer or its metastases.Recently, it had become a trend to add bevacizumab or cetuximab(Cmab)limited to the K-ras wild-type or panitumumab(Pmab)limited to the K-ras wild-type.At the present time, a common third-line chemotherapy is CPT-11 plus Cmab limited to the K-ras wild-type, or Cmab/Pmab.However, the results are unsatisfactory.With Cmab plus S-1 we treated a case of remnant liver metastases from rectal cancer which was a K-ras wild-type, after treating 5-FU, L-OHP and CPT-11. The tumor marker dropped and 7 focuses of liver metastases disappeared after 6 courses of treatment(complete response: CR in)and CR was achieved after 9 courses treatment.After 10 courses of treatment, a new lesion appeared on S5 of the liver and we performed percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.

[Efficacy of Elental on prevention for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in colorectal cancer patients]

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of elemental diet Elental (ED) on chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in patients with colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 23 patients with colorectal cancer experiencing grade 1-3 stomatitis during treatment with chemotherapy (2- or 3-week per cycle) entered the current study. Their average age was 67 years, ranging from 44 to 84 years.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients received the same chemotherapy regimen, but also received more than 80 g of Elental (ED) (including 1, 932 mg of L-glutamine), per day. FOLFOX, FOLFIRI or XELOX-based chemotherapy was used. A dose reduction of 5-FU, capacitabine or S-1 was performed in 5 patients who experienced grade 2 or 3 stomatitis. The maximum grade of stomatitis decreased in 18 of the 22 patients after the first treatment course, and decreased in 20 of 22 patients after the second course with ED.The preventive efficacy of ED on stomatitis was noted in a dose-dependent manner.Similarly, the maximum grade of neutropenia decreased in 10 of 11 patients after their first or second treatment course with ED.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that ED can significantly decrease the severity of chemotherapy-induced stomatitis in colorectal cancer patients in association with the control of neutropenia.

Phase II study alternating mFOLFOX 6 and FOLFIRI (FIREFOX) plus bevacizumab (bev) regimen in first-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer in Japanese patients (KSCC 0801)

602

Background: The Kyushu Study group of Clinical Cancer conducted a phase II study that evaluated the FIREFOX regimen. (KSCC0701, Akagi et al, J Clin Oncol 28:15s, 2010). This study demonstrated the efficacy and mild neurotoxicity of this regimen. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the FIREFOX plus bevacizumab (bev).

Methods: Eligibility criteria included histologically confirmed advanced colorectal cancer, ECOG PS 0-2 and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic function. Patients (pts) received an alternating regimen of 4 cycles of mFOLFOX-6 plus bev (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 200 mg/m2, bev 5 mg/kg d1 followed by 400 mg/m2 bolus 5-FU and a 46-hr 2,400 mg/m2 5-FU infusion every 2 weeks) followed by 4 cycles of FOLFIRI plus bev (oxaliplatin replaced with irinotecan 150 mg/m2 d1). This schedule was repeated until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression occurred. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival. (UMIN000001312)

Results: Of the 52 pts enrolled from May 2008 to July 2009. Two of the patients did not fulfill the eligibility criteria. M/F, 30/20; median age, 59.5 years (range 37 - 75); ECOG PS 0/1/2, 46/4/0. The median number of administration cycles was 14 (range, 2 - 44). Response rate (RECIST criteria) for CR, PR, SD, PD and NE were 2 (4%), 28 (56%), 14 (28%), 4 (8%) and 2 (4%), respectively. An overall response rate was 60% (95% CI: 45 - 74%). Median progression-free survival was14.2 M (95% CI: 10.6 M-16.3 M) and median overall survival was 27.5 M (95% CI; 22.4 M – not determined). The 2-year survival rate was 56.8%. Of the 52 pts evaluated for toxicity. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were leukopenia (7.7%), neutropenia (32.7%), anemia (1.9%), fatigue (9.6%), anorexia (13.5%), stomatitis (3.8%), neurotoxicity (3.8%), hypertension (1.9%), diarrhea (7.7%), febrile neutropenia (3.8%), nausea (9.6%), vomiting (5.8%), hypersensitivity (3.8%), and thromboembolism (1.9%).

Conclusions: The results of this phase II study show that the FIREFOX plus bev regimen is effective and well tolerated in the first-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. The low rate of neurotoxicity is also promising.

Liver resectability following mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab as the first-line treatment of unresectable liver limited metastases from colorectal cancer in Japanese patients (KSCC 0802)

666

Background: There is no data concerning liver resectability following mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab as the first-line treatment of unresectable liver limited metastases from colorectal cancer by prospective, multi-center study in Japan. The Kyushu Study group of Clinical Cancer (KSCC) conducted a phase II trial in this setting.

Methods: Eligibility criteria included unresectable liver limited metastases from histologically confirmed advanced colorectal cancer, ECOG PS 0-1 and adequate general condition. Patients (pts) received 6 cycles of mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, l-leucovorin 200 mg/m2 d1 followed by 400 mg/m2 bolus 5-FU and a 46-hr 2,400 mg/m2 5-FU infusion every 2 weeks) with bevacizumab (5mg/kg) followed by evaluating the liver resectability. (UMIN000001308)

Results: Of the 40 pts enrolled from Sept. 9 2008 to Aug. 10 2010; M/F, 29/11; Median age, 63 years (range 37-74); ECOG PS 0/1, 38/2. The median number of administration cycles was 6 (range, 1–7). Response for CR, PR, SD, PD and NE were 0 (0 %), 12 (30.0 %), 22 (55.0%), 3 (7.5%) and 3 (7.5%), respectively. An overall response rate was 30.0% (95% CI: 16.6 % – 46.5 %). The grade 3-4 adverse events were; leukopenia (10%), neutropenia (32.5%), febrile neutropenia (5%), fatigue (2.5%), appetite loss (2.5%), diarrhea (2.5%), mucositis (2.5%), high AST (2.5%) and ileus (2.5%). The number of cases to intent operation was 17 (42.5%), the liver resectability was 16/40 (40.0 %). The number of R0 cases was 10 pts (25.0%, 95% CI; 12.7 - 41.2 %).

Conclusions: mFOLFOX6 with bevacizumab regimen is safe and effective for unresectable liver limited metastases from colorectal cancer, and might be to lead the high liver resectability.

A multicenter phase II clinical study of oxaliplatin, folinic acid, and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer: a Japanese experience

PURPOSE

This multicenter phase II study was designed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of oxaliplatin in combination with levofolinate and infusion 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX4) as first-line therapy for Japanese patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive patients with histologically confirmed advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled in the study. Treatment was repeated every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred.

RESULTS

Two patients were ineligible. Toxicity was evaluated in 60 patients, who had received a part or all of the protocol therapy. A partial response was observed in 20 patients. The overall response rate was 34.5% (95% CI, 22.5%-48.1%) and the tumor control rate (partial response + stable disease) was 82.8%. The median progression-free survival was 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.1-9.8 months), and the median overall survival was 31.5 months (95% CI, 18.1-40.1 months). There were no toxicity-related deaths. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 48.3% of patients and often caused a delay in the subsequent treatment course. Mild to moderate cumulative peripheral sensory neuropathy affected 71.7% of patients.

CONCLUSION

The results showed good tolerability and efficacy for first-line FOLFOX4 in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer, indicating the promise of this regimen as first-line therapy for advanced colorectal cancer in the Japanese population.

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells in metronomic chemotherapy using irinotecan and/or bevacizumab for colon carcinoma: Study of their clinical significance

The aim of the present study was to clarify the antitumor efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy using irinotecan (CPT-11) combined with or without bevacizumab against colon cancer, and the significance of circulating endothelial cell (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (CEPs) as a surrogate marker for metronomic chemotherapy. KM12SM cells were implanted into the subcutis of nude mouse. After confirming that the implanted tumors had grown 5 mm in size, group A received an intraperitoneal injection of 40 mg/kg CPT-11 every two weeks for 4 weeks [conventional maximum-tolerated dose (MTD)], group B received 10 mg/kg twice weekly (metronomic), group C received 10 mg/kg twice weekly combined with 5 mg/kg bevacizumab twice weekly (metronomic + anti-angiogenic), and the control group received 0.2 ml of PBS every week. Serial changes of CECs and CEPs in peripheral blood and microvessel density (MVD) in the tumor tissues were evaluated. The results showed that the antitumor activity in group B and in group C was significantly higher than that in group A. A significant inhibition in CEPs on day 15 in the metronomic therapy groups B and C was noted when compared to that in the control group, while there was no significant difference in CECs and CEPs between the groups on days 4 and 8. The MVD on day 15 in metronomic groups was significantly lower than that in group A. In conclusion, metronomic chemotherapy of CPT-11 with or without bevacizumab for colon cancer was more effective than the MTD therapy via anti-angiogenic effects. Sequential measurement of CEPs may be a predictive factor for the efficacy and a decisive factor for the optimal dose of metronomic therapy in colon cancer.

[Liver histology and surgical outcomes after preoperative chemotherapy in colorectal cancer liver metastases]

We aimed to assess hepatic histopathological responses to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastasis. We selected all patients(n=34)with colorectal liver metastases between September 2006 and March 2009. The preoperative chemotherapy group was significantly associated with tumor regression, inflammatory response, sinusoidal dilatation compared with non-chemotherapy group. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications and hospital stay. Prolonged preoperative systemic chemotherapy alters liver parenchyma, but it does not increase postoperative complications. This should be taken into consideration before deciding a major liver resection in patients who have received preoperative chemotherapy.

Adjuvant capecitabine treatment for stage III colon cancer in Japanese patients (KSCC0803)

571

Background: Capecitabine was approved in Japan in 2007 for the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer based on Japanese clinical trial data in advanced and recurrent colorectal and breast cancers as well as data from the Phase III X-ACT trial. For the current study, we aimed to clarify compliance and tolerability of adjuvant treatment with capecitabine in Japanese patients. The study was entered in the UMIN clinical trial registry (UMIN000001444) by the Kyushu Study Group of Clinical Cancer (KSCC). Ethical approval was granted by the institutional review board of each hospital involved.

Methods: Based on completion rates from the X-ACT trial we enrolled 97 patients with R0 stage III colon cancer who had histologically confirmed disease and had undergone curative resection (3D2 lymph node dissection). Patients were given oral capecitabine therapy (2,500 mg/m2/day; days 1–14 q3w; eight cycles) within 8 weeks of surgery. The proportion of patients completing eight cycles of treatment per protocol was the primary endpoint, and adverse event (AE) rate was analyzed as a secondary endpoint.

Results: Treatment completion in the total patient population was 66.0% (64/97 patients; 95% CI: 55.7–75.3%) and in the per protocol population (PPP) was 70.3% (64/91; 95% CI: 59.8–79.5%). AEs leading to treatment discontinuation included hand-foot syndrome (HFS; n=7), hematotoxicity (n=5) and increased hepatic activity (n=4). Grade 3/4 AEs of note included HFS (22.7%), neutropenia (7.2%), diarrhea (2.1%), and increased bilirubin (0.0%). Of note, any treatment delay >3 weeks in the current trial was considered a withdrawal. In the X-ACT trial, delays of any duration were permitted. Using the X-ACT criteria the completion rate for the PPP in this study was 80.2%, comparable to the figure reported in X-ACT.

Conclusions: Our results confirm those of previous global phase III studies and show that capecitabine is well tolerated in both global and Japanese-only populations, with similar high completion rates in both.

[Table: see text]

Diffuse pollution by persistent organic pollutants as measured in plastic pellets sampled from various beaches in Greece

Plastic pellets found stranded on beaches are hydrophobic organic materials and thus, they are a favourable medium for persistent organic pollutants to absorb to. In the present study, plastic pellets are used to determine the diffuse pollution of selected Greek beaches. Samples of pellets were taken from these beaches and were analyzed for PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, and PAHs. The observed differences among pellets from various sampling sites are related to the pollution occurring at each site. Plastic pellets collected in Saronikos Gulf beaches demonstrate much higher pollutant loading than the ones collected in a remote island or close to an agricultural area. Based on data collected in this study and the International Pellet Watch program, pollution in Saronikos Gulf, Greece, is comparable to other heavily industrialized places of the world. The present study demonstrates the potential of pellet watch to be utilized as a detailed-scale monitoring tool within a single country.

A multicenter phase II clinical study of oxaliplatin, folinic acid, and 5-fluorouracil combination chemotherapy as second-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer: a Japanese experience

PURPOSE

This multicenter phase II study was designed to determine the efficacy and tolerability of oxaliplatin, levoforinate, and infusional 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX4) as a second-line therapy for Japanese patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 53 patients with progressive disease after first-line chemotherapy were enrolled in the study. The treatment was repeated every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred, or the patient chose to discontinue the treatment.

RESULTS

Four patients were ineligible and one did not receive the protocol therapy. Therefore, the response rate, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated in 48 patients; toxicity was evaluated in 52 patients, excluding the patient who had not received the protocol therapy. A partial response was observed in 10 patients. The overall response rate was 20.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.5%-35.0%). The median PFS was 5.6 months (95% CI, 4.1-7.0 months) and the median OS was 19.6 months (95% CI, 11.4-24.3 months). The most frequently encountered grade 3/4 hematological symptom was neutropenia (43.1%). The toxicity profile was generally predictable and manageable.

CONCLUSION

The results showed good tolerability and efficacy for second-line FOLFOX4 in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, thus indicating the promise of this regimen as an effective second-line therapy for advanced colorectal cancer in the Japanese population.

FGF-2 stimulates periodontal regeneration: results of a multi-center randomized clinical trial

The efficacy of the local application of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in periodontal regeneration has been investigated. In this study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 253 adult patients with periodontitis. Modified Widman periodontal surgery was performed, during which 200 µL of the investigational formulation containing 0% (vehicle alone), 0.2%, 0.3%, or 0.4% FGF-2 was administered to 2- or 3-walled vertical bone defects. Each dose of FGF-2 showed significant superiority over vehicle alone (p < 0.01) for the percentage of bone fill at 36 wks after administration, and the percentage peaked in the 0.3% FGF-2 group. No significant differences among groups were observed in clinical attachment regained, scoring approximately 2 mm. No clinical safety problems, including an abnormal increase in alveolar bone or ankylosis, were identified. These results strongly suggest that topical application of FGF-2 can be efficacious in the regeneration of human periodontal tissue that has been destroyed by periodontitis.

[Treatment and outcome in small bowel cancer]

In adenocarcinoma of the small intestine, delays in diagnosis are frequent, and the majority of patients present with advanced- stage disease and either lymph node involvement or distant metastatic disease. Surgical resection is a mainstay in treatment of this disease, but the role of adjuvant therapy is unclear. Recent retrospective and prospective studies have helped to clarify the optimal chemotherapy approach for advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma. The combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin is reportedly highly effective. Further clinical studies on this rare type of tumor are needed. This article reviews the focuses on recent advances in management. The 72nd Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum have conducted a retrospective review of Japanese patients with adenocarcinoma of the jejunum or ileum. The data indicated that although not statistically significant, there was a trend in median overall survival favoring the chemotherapy for advanced jejunal or ileal adenocarcinoma (17 months vs. 8 months, p=0.114).

Effects of porcine 25 kDa amelogenin and its proteolytic derivatives on bone sialoprotein expression

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Amelogenins are hydrophobic proteins that are the major component of developing enamel. Enamel matrix derivative has been used for periodontal regeneration. Bone sialoprotein is an early phenotypic marker of osteoblast differentiation. In this study, we examined the ability of porcine amelogenins to regulate bone sialoprotein transcription.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To determine the molecular basis of the transcriptional regulation of the bone sialoprotein gene by amelogenins, we conducted northern hybridization, transient transfection analyses and gel mobility shift assays using the osteoblast-like ROS 17/2.8 cells.

RESULTS

Amelogenins (100 ng/mL) up-regulated bone sialoprotein mRNA at 3 h, with maximal mRNA expression occurring at 12 h (25 and 20 kDa) and 6 h (13 and 6 kDa). Amelogenins (100 ng/mL, 12 h) increased luciferase activities in pLUC3 (nucleotides -116 to +60), and 6 kDa amelogenin up-regulated pLUC4 (nucleotides -425 to +60) activity. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor inhibited amelogenin-induced luciferase activities, whereas the protein kinase A inhibitor abolished 25 kDa amelogenin-induced bone sialoprotein transcription. The effects of amelogenins were abrogated by 2-bp mutations in the fibroblast growth factor 2 response element (FRE). Gel-shift assays with radiolabeled FRE, homeodomain-protein binding site (HOX) and transforming growth factor-beta1 activation element (TAE) double-strand oligonucleotides revealed increased binding of nuclear proteins from amelogenin-stimulated ROS 17/2.8 cells at 3 h (25 and 13 kDa) and 6 h (20 and 6 kDa).

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that porcine 25 kDa amelogenin and its proteolytic derivatives stimulate bone sialoprotein transcription by targeting FRE, HOX and TAE in the bone sialoprotein gene promoter, and that full-length amelogenin and amelogenin cleavage products are able to regulate bone sialoprotein transcription via different signaling pathways.

Dosage escalation study of S-1 and irinotecan in metronomic chemotherapy against advanced colorectal cancer

The anti-angiogenic efficacy of chemotherapy would seem to be optimized by administering comparatively lower doses of drugs on a more frequent (daily, several times a week, or weekly) or continuous schedule, with no extended interruptions - sometimes referred to as 'metronomic' chemotherapy. This phase I study was performed to determine the recommended dosage (RD) of metronomic chemotherapy using oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 plus weekly irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with previously untreated advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer. Patients received first-line chemotherapy consisting of 80 mg/m(2) of S-1 given on days 3 to 7, 10 to 14, and 17 to 21 with escalating dosages of CPT-11 (from 40 mg/m(2)) administered intravenously on day 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Standard patient eligibility criteria were used. Based on the concept of metronomic chemotherapy, dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined any toxicity that resulted in skipping of CPT-11 administration, or more than 5 days suspension in S-1 administration, in addition to the conventional criteria. If the maximum tolerated dosage (MTD) was defined as the maximum dosage at which no suspension of CPT-11 or S-1 administration occurred, the RD was considered to be the dosage one rank lower than the MTD. On the other hand, in the present study the MTD was defined as the dosage at which at least one suspension of CPT-11 or S-1 administration occurred, the MTD was considered to be the RD. Two of the first 3 patients at level 4 received 60 mg/m(2) of CPT-11 and 80 mg/m(2) of S-1 experienced a suspension in CPT-11 administration, thus level 4 was defined as the MTD and RD. Sixty mg/m(2) of CPT-11 and 80 mg/m(2) of S-1 were the indicated RD for the following phase II study of metronomic chemotherapy.

[Therapeutic results of hepatic resection using thermal ablation for unresectable colorectal liver metastases]

We have retrospectively reviewed the therapeutic results of hepatic resection with or without thermal ablation therapy (TA) for colorectal liver metastases in 138 patients between 1994 and 2006. A total of 88 unresectable liver metastatic lesions were selectively treated with TA as initial treatment (42 patients) basically in combination with hepatectomy. Overall, TA achieved a high local tumor control rate of 94.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed that initial TA therapy was not a significantly predictive factor of hepatic recurrence or any recurrence. TA therapies in combination with hepatectomy may offer improving resectability without risk to intrahepatic dissemination or to extrahepatic recurrence.